Spyder Down........and Out!

[hut1]

A year ago I bought a '12 RS SM5. After enjoying it for several months (when my daughter would let me) I gave it to her for a graduation-from-college present. She loved her "Spydie", and had no trouble making the transition from 2-wheels to 3. But unfortunately, one moment of inattentiveness and a partially obscured stop sign at a 4-way stop intersection has led to Spydie's premature demise.

The good news, and really the ONLY thing that matters is that my daughter escaped practically unharmed: no broken bones, no road rash, not a scratch. Just a couple of "bumps" on her knees and one foot. She was in full gear; full face helmet, armored jacket, gloves, heavy jeans, and boots. Although she went over the handlebars on the glancing collision with the car, her head never hit the pavement. We couldn't find even a scratch on her helment! Her boots suffered the most damage, but did their job.

The insurance company (Progressive) initially planned to repair the , but after further inspection by my dealer revealed more damage, they decided to total it. We'll probably replace it with another RS (my daughter's preference), but it won't be until next year. That gives me time to try to talk her into an F3!

As a side note, I'm not sure what it's like in other areas, but if you have the misfortune to be involved in an accident in Philadelphia, do all you can to take care of your own tow or transport of your damaged vehicle. I was more than an hour away when the accident happened, and by the time my daughter could contact me and I could get there, the had already been picked up and towed to a repair shop only 4.4 miles from the scene. Progressive was able to send someone to the shop the following day and we made arrangements to have it towed to my dealer 25 miles away. However, the repair shop stalled on producing an invoice for the initial tow and storage, so it took Progressive a couple more days to issue payment and have the bike released. The bottom line; for the initial tow, 3-4 days storage, and "other assorted shop fees", the charge was more than $1100.00!!! Maybe this partially explains the high insurance rates in this area!

Although this whole process isn't completely over, we're grateful and very blessed because it could have been much worse.

Be careful out there, Piano Man! (Hill Street Blues reference for those old enough to remember)

[hchays]

Spyders can be replaced, people can't! I'm glad to hear there's a happy ending to this story.

[Chupaca]

truely glad your daughter is fine. Glad she was on a roadster and in the right gear. Sorry to hear about the expense. It is a shame they take advantage of others misfortune. Good luck and you both be safe out there..!!

[one2doo]

She is ok .

[Bob Denman]

Bikes can be replaced; loved ones cannot.
I'm glad to hear that she is okay, and already thinking abut her next ride.

[PrairieSpyder]

You are so right that your daughter's well-being is the only thing that mattered, and I'm glad she's OK.

[I thought it was "Pizza Man"! ]

[Netminder]

Glad your daughter is alright!As stated above bikes can be replaced, people can't! I am sure her gear help minimize the damage!

[hut1]

You are so right that your daughter's well-being is the only thing that mattered, and I'm glad she's OK.

[I thought it was "Pizza Man"! ]

Patti, you're right......on both counts! I guess my memory isn't as good as I remember! Thanks!

[SpyderAnn01]

Glad to hear your daughter is okay. Towing is a real racket some places!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Very glad to hear your Daughters OK........Coming home from 2014 Spyderfest We hit the Pole at the PA. Trn Pike toll booth......It cost me $225 to tow the trailer 75 ft ........Not to much of a Rip-off .......JMHO....Mike

[OJ UK]

Your daughter is fine!! Great news. F3?....If she enjoyed the RS she'll love riding the F3 but it may not be 'pretty' enough for her.

[StanProff]

I think she'll go for the F3 if you can get her on a demo ride. Glad she wasn't hurt any worse.

[Deanna777]

Nice to hear that your daughter is ok, your spyder can be replaced, you can not replace your loved ones. Deanna

[Roadster Renovations]

Glad she is OK!

[ARtraveler]

Glad to hear the outcome was mostly good. The more accidents I hear about, the more happier I am that we have instead of two wheels.

[Dan McNally]

I'm really happy to hear your daughter is OK . . . that is what is important! My insurance company (GEICO) has always asked me where I wanted the vehicle taken . . . I guess I should be glad of that . . .

[spydaman60]

on the daughter being ok!! sorry about spydie, but that can be replaced!!

[robmorg]

If that is not a testimonial to wearing all the protective gear, even on a Spyder, then nothing is.

If I had a young son or daughter who rode a motorcycle or a trike, I'd make sure they wore it too! As for me..... well, unfortunately old habits die hard. I'm glad the incident didn't discourage her from continuing to ride. She sounds like a spirited, but very sensible, young lady. I'm so glad to hear that she is OK.

[hut1]

Thanks everyone for your concern and well wishes for my daughter. She's anxious to get back in the saddle, but with changing weather and the demands of her first semester of vet school, she's willing to wait until spring to get another spyder.

[Deanna777]

Keep us posted on which spyder your daughter decides to get/ purchase. Deanna

[Kwalsh]

Glad to hear she is ok, I must admit stories like this are a big part of my giving up 2 wheels and making the move to the spyder

[grammaschance]

A year ago I bought a '12 RS SM5. After enjoying it for several months (when my daughter would let me) I gave it to her for a graduation-from-college present. She loved her "Spydie", and had no trouble making the transition from 2-wheels to 3. But unfortunately, one moment of inattentiveness and a partially obscured stop sign at a 4-way stop intersection has led to Spydie's premature demise.

The good news, and really the ONLY thing that matters is that my daughter escaped practically unharmed: no broken bones, no road rash, not a scratch. Just a couple of "bumps" on her knees and one foot. She was in full gear; full face helmet, armored jacket, gloves, heavy jeans, and boots. Although she went over the handlebars on the glancing collision with the car, her head never hit the pavement. We couldn't find even a scratch on her helment! Her boots suffered the most damage, but did their job.

The insurance company (Progressive) initially planned to repair the , but after further inspection by my dealer revealed more damage, they decided to total it. We'll probably replace it with another RS (my daughter's preference), but it won't be until next year. That gives me time to try to talk her into an F3!

As a side note, I'm not sure what it's like in other areas, but if you have the misfortune to be involved in an accident in Philadelphia, do all you can to take care of your own tow or transport of your damaged vehicle. I was more than an hour away when the accident happened, and by the time my daughter could contact me and I could get there, the had already been picked up and towed to a repair shop only 4.4 miles from the scene. Progressive was able to send someone to the shop the following day and we made arrangements to have it towed to my dealer 25 miles away. However, the repair shop stalled on producing an invoice for the initial tow and storage, so it took Progressive a couple more days to issue payment and have the bike released. The bottom line; for the initial tow, 3-4 days storage, and "other assorted shop fees", the charge was more than $1100.00!!! Maybe this partially explains the high insurance rates in this area!

Although this whole process isn't completely over, we're grateful and very blessed because it could have been much worse.

Be careful out there, Piano Man! (Hill Street Blues reference for those old enough to remember)

[grammaschance]

So sorry about the fatal blow to your daughter's ride but I am very happy that she is well and wants to ride again! I just bought my first spider late this summer and had no concept of towing charges plus the realization that dealerships for authorized service are so few and far away. I consider myself informed, thanks so very much!